Absolute power in officialdom

Chapter 309 The beautiful bureau chief delivers strawberries at night

After finishing his one-on-one conversation with Guo Dong, Geng Dongqing dialed Mayor Wen Changcheng's number, hoping to get some information from him.

He was close to Wen Changcheng. Although he couldn't be called a confidant, if he had to choose sides, he would be Wen Changcheng's man.

"Mayor Wen, this is Geng Dongqing. I hope I haven't disturbed your work?"

"Holly, what's wrong? Tell me."

In terms of age, Geng Dongqing is a few years older than Wen Changcheng.

However, in officialdom, what matters is not age, but position and rank.

This can be glimpsed from the few simple words exchanged between Geng Dongqing and Wen Changcheng.

"Mayor Wen, it's like this, the city attaches great importance to this People's Congress of Qingshan County."

Today, the supervisory team personally led by Director Guo Dong has arrived in our county. They just spoke with me, emphasizing the need to ensure the organization's objectives are achieved and to strictly enforce discipline during the leadership transition.

Wen Changcheng spoke in platitudes: "Comrade Dongqing, the election is a major event. We must ensure a clean and upright atmosphere and strive to ensure that the organization's intentions are implemented."

The Qingshan County Party Committee must elevate its stance and earnestly assume its primary responsibility.

Geng Dongqing quickly replied, "Yes, Mayor Wen, we will definitely implement the requirements of the municipal supervision team, and I personally fully support the organization's decision."

Geng Dongqing changed the subject, probing Wen Changcheng's true attitude: "Mayor Wen, I have recently heard some different opinions from some representatives."

Some delegates believe that Comrade Yi has only been in the county for a short time, and his familiarity with the local situation and economic work, as well as his ideas for promoting economic development, may still need to be worked out.

Of course, these are just the immature views of a minority of representatives, and we will certainly strengthen our guidance.

Wen Changcheng was silent for a few seconds, then said, "Dongqing, the organization's intentions were made after comprehensive consideration and represent the decisions of the provincial and municipal party committees."

This is something we must do; there is no room for negotiation.

Comrade Ding Yiyi was appointed as the acting county head by the organization. The procedure was correct, and he was capable.

As a leading Party cadre, one must first be politically aware and mindful of the overall situation, and one's personal opinions must be subordinate to the decisions of the organization.

However, the voice of the representative you just mentioned also reflects a problem.

Our Party’s fundamental working line is the mass line, and the election work should also focus on promoting democracy and respecting the democratic rights of representatives.

The implementation of an organization's intentions ultimately depends on the votes of its representatives.

If the representatives' views tend to converge, then their opinions should be taken seriously.

There's a saying that goes, "The Party Committee has power, the government has money, the National People's Congress raises its fist, and the CPPCC speaks out."

When the National People's Congress (NPC) raises its fist, it means that NPC deputies exercise their democratic rights independently and in accordance with the law, casting their sacred vote.

Of course, this is all predicated on operating within the framework of laws and regulations, and in accordance with the law and rules.

He paused for a moment, then said finally, "In short, principles must be upheld and discipline must be strictly observed."

Specifically regarding the election work, the county party committee should give full play to its leadership role, guide and organize the process effectively, and ensure the smooth and successful completion of the congress.

As for the representatives' ideas, as long as they are reasonable and legal expressions, they should be taken seriously. Okay, I have another meeting.

After hanging up the phone, Geng Dongqing leaned back in his chair, closed his eyes, and pondered the deeper meaning of Wen Changcheng's words.

Wen Changcheng's words, on the surface, emphasized implementing the organization's intentions and strictly abiding by discipline, but between the lines, they revealed his disagreement with Ding Yiyi and even implied that it was worth paying attention to if the representatives' views tended to be consistent.

This is almost tacit approval; as long as no loopholes are left in the operation, it is not entirely unacceptable if the representatives' choices differ from the organization's intentions.

Although Wen Changcheng could not openly express his support for Cheng Tanzhi, he at least did not exert greater pressure, but instead said he would try his best to ensure that the organization's intentions were implemented.

Making an effort to ensure something is perfect is not the same as ensuring that nothing goes wrong.

Geng Dongqing couldn't help but wonder: If Cheng Tanzhi had done everything cleanly and left no evidence, and had successfully won the election as county magistrate, would Wen Changcheng have pushed the election results to become a fait accompli?

Of course, Lin Xue will most likely launch an investigation into whether there were any illegal or disciplinary violations behind the election, but Wen Changcheng will likely resist such an investigation.

After hanging up the phone, Geng Dongqing paced around the office for a few steps before dialing Cheng Tanzhi's number: "Tanzhi, if you're not busy right now, come to my office."

Cheng Tanzhi also works in the county committee building, near Geng Dongqing's office.

A few minutes later, Cheng Tanzhi arrived.

He appeared very respectful: "Secretary Geng, you wanted to see me?"

"Frankly speaking, just now, Director Guo Dong and I had a private conversation, and the core message was just two points."

First, it is essential to ensure that the organization's intentions are fully implemented.

Second, we must strictly enforce election discipline and have zero tolerance for any interference or disruption of the election; every case discovered will be investigated and dealt with.

He paused, then emphasized, "Director Guo stressed 'ten prohibitions and ten absolute rules,' especially prohibiting vote-buying and bribery, lobbying and making requests, and interfering with the election process."

These words were addressed not only to the county party committee, but also to all party members and cadres in the county, especially leading cadres.

Cheng Tanzhi nodded repeatedly: "Secretary Geng, the city's requirements are very clear and very necessary."

The election for leadership is a major event in political life and must be conducted in a clean and upright manner.

I personally fully support the decision of the Municipal Party Committee and will resolutely obey the organizational arrangements.

Geng Dongqing lowered his voice: "Tanzhi, I also need to remind you a few things in private."

There are some rumors circulating outside that are not in your favor.

They said you've been visiting grassroots communities a lot lately and having a lot of contact with representatives.

At times like these, one must be extra careful about the potential impact, especially when things seem suspicious.

Cheng Tanzhi appeared quite innocent: "Secretary Geng, I have a lot of responsibilities, such as visiting enterprises, investigating projects, and comforting people in need at the end of the year. These are all my duties, and the procedures are completely compliant."

As for contacting the delegates, listening to their opinions and suggestions before the National People's Congress is also a work requirement.

Geng Dongqing nodded and casually asked, "What's your opinion on this county magistrate election? After all, the representatives hold democratic rights in their hands."

Cheng Tanzhi calmly said, "Secretary Geng, the organization's appointment of Comrade Ding Yiyi as acting county head is naturally based on comprehensive considerations."

As a Party member, I will resolutely obey.

However, the system of people's congresses is the fundamental political system of the country.

The delegates performed their duties in accordance with the law, voted independently, and elected the leader they believed was most capable of leading the development of Qingshan County. This is a sacred right granted by the Constitution and laws, and a manifestation of democracy.

He paused for a moment, then continued, "I have always believed that the key to the position of county magistrate is whether one can get things done, knows how to get things done, and can get things done successfully."

We should look at economic indicators, public opinion, and the actual results of development.

If the delegates make their choices based on a full understanding of the candidates and with impartiality, I respect any choice they make in accordance with laws and regulations.

I believe that whether it's the organization or the representatives, their ultimate goal is the same: to select the most suitable people to work for the well-being and development of the 800,000 people of Qingshan County.

Cheng Tanzhi's words were tactful yet impeccable.

Geng Dongqing said calmly, "Yes, we must not only be politically aware and consider the overall situation, but also trust our representatives and respect democracy."

Okay, Tanzhi, that's all for today. With the city's supervisory team here, we need to be extra careful in all aspects. You must be cautious in your words and actions, and avoid giving others any ammunition against you.

……

It was a little after 8 p.m.

Wu Zhiyuan had just finished a phone call with Xu Yunxi when someone knocked on the door.

Looking through the peephole, I saw Wang Meili had arrived.

He opened the door.

Wang Meili was clearly dressed up carefully, wearing a long, off-white cashmere coat.

Her long hair was permed into big waves and draped over her shoulders. She wore exquisite makeup and lipstick, and every smile and gesture exuded the unique charm of a mature woman.

"County Chief Wu, I've brought you some newly harvested strawberries."

Wang Meili was carrying a red basket filled with bright red strawberries.

Delivering strawberries late at night, Wu Zhiyuan couldn't help but recall the anecdotes of Wang Junhua, the deputy director of Qinglongshan Forest Farm where he used to work.

In order to get promoted, Wang Junhua found a prostitute to impersonate his wife and gave her to Gan Simiao, the then director of the Municipal Forestry Bureau.

After Wang Meili entered the house, she took off her coat, revealing a pink turtleneck cashmere sweater underneath, a dark gray woolen long skirt, and black boots.

Wu Zhiyuan said politely, "Director Wang, it's so cold, yet you still made the trip and brought things. You're too kind."

"Serving the leader is what I should do. I know County Chief Wu is honest and upright. He certainly wouldn't accept expensive gifts, so I thought I'd send some strawberries."

Wang Meili sat down on the sofa.

"County Chief Wu, I've heard some more rumors about next week's People's Congress meeting."

Wang Meili was acting mysteriously.

Wu Zhiyuan sat down in the chair opposite the sofa.

Wang Meili said sweetly, "County Chief Wu, I'm not a tiger. Are you afraid I'll eat you? I haven't eaten anyone in a long time."

Wu Zhiyuan changed the subject, asking, "Director Wang, what rumors have you heard?"

"I heard that some business representatives in the county have also put in the effort."

The methods have become more covert. Instead of directly giving money or gifts, they go through intermediaries and hint at future preferential treatment in project approvals, fund allocations, and even arrangements for children.

Such promises are harder to verify than real money, and their allure is far greater.